Plans for £4.3 million redevelopment of Kidderminster railway station revealed

Plans for £4.3 million redevelopment of Kidderminster railway station revealed

RESIDENTS are being given the first glimpse of what the new multi-million pound Kidderminster railway station will look like.

Detailed plans to transform the station into a landmark gateway to Worcestershire have been revealed today (July 6).

The station is set to undergo a dramatic £4.3 million redevelopment - including a new glass-fronted station twice the size of the existing building.

Facilities will include a new cafe or shop, toilets and indoor seating and waiting areas.

Clearly marked waiting and taxi areas will be created in front of the station to make it safer for pedestrians.

The scheme also proposes significant improvements to nearby bus facilities and a new pedestrian crossing close to the station on Comberton Hill.

The new station is expected to be completed summer 2019.

The station, which has direct trains to London, Birmingham and Worcester, was used by 1.6 million people last year - with numbers predicted to rise 50 per cent within five years.

Ken Pollock, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for economy and infrastructure, said: "We have listened to the concerns of travellers about the inadequate facilities at Kidderminster.

"It is the second busiest train station in the county and is a major gateway into Wyre Forest and beyond.

"These proposals mean the station will better reflect our ambitions for the area as a place to live, work and visit and really improve the experience for the 1.6 million passengers now using the station each year."

The scheme is being led by the county council - with support from Wyre Forest District Council, Network Rail, London Midland, Chiltern Railways, the Severn Valley Railway, Kidderminster Railway Museum and local bus operators.

Funding has been made available from deals with the Greater Birmingham and Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership (GBSLEP) for £1.8 million and through the Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership for £2.5 million.

Mike Lyons, GBSLEP board director, added: "We are delighted that the Kidderminster railway station transformation plans have been unveiled. This is an excellent example of how neighbouring LEPs can work together successfully to support shared priorities for both their businesses and residents.

"Kidderminster is an important part of our economy, and this is a high priority project for GBSLEP. The improvements outlined will go a long way to improving connectivity and supporting economic growth for the area.

"We look forward to working with our colleagues at Wyre Forest District Council and the Worcestershire LEP to bring the scheme forward."

The proposals will be on display at an information session on the forecourt at Kidderminster station on Wednesday (July 12) between 7am and 6.30pm. Train users, nearby residents and businesses will be invited to comment and view artist impressions of the scheme.

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